Perennials rise to the occasion. Stylish hanging ideas for geraniums

In hanging containers, colourful geraniums make great floating displays from spring to autumn. On a balcony or patio or in a garden, these vibrant summer stars show off their full splendour at eye level, creating vivid accents. The decoration experts at Pelargonium for Europe (PfE) show you craft and upcycling ideas for hanging displays of these flowering beauties for beginners and experts alike.

Step 1: Remove the inner ring from all three hoops. You won’t need the outer rings with the screw for this project.

Step 2: Use the inner rings to create a sturdy three-dimensional base for the hanging basket. First join the two large wooden rings together with masking tape on one side. Then, on the opposite side, fit the smaller ring between the  larger ones to create the pot holder.

Step 3: Cover all areas of masking tape with twine to hide it. To hang the basket, take another length of twine and loop it around the section where the large rings meet. Knot the free ends together. Thread the wooden beads on to the twine loop in order of size, largest first, so they sit on top of the rings.

Step 4: Place the potted geranium in the terracotta planter then place the planter in the smaller ring. Hang up your finished hanging basket in a sunny spot.

Left: Flowering geraniums in planters, a branch, macramé hanging baskets and strong string – that’s all you need for this pretty, homemade suspended display.

Right: Geraniums also make beautiful, long-lasting cut flowers. This floating arrangement uses a variety of geraniums and grasses in test tubes attached to a branch suspended from the ceiling. It makes a natural decoration idea and provides a stunning display of flowers both indoors and out.

Left: Too good to throw away: With a little hessian, you can give an unsightly hanging basket a whole new look in no time. This contemporary, upcycled piece is the perfect showcase for bi-coloured trailing geraniums. Tip: Drape the fabric loosely over the container and fix it in place with hot glue. Don’t worry, any creases add to the effect.

Right: If you don’t want to use off-the-shelf hanging baskets, you can make your own. These are made from two old ceramic lampshades and a standard planter.

Easter craft idea: This floral Easter decoration is easy to make. Simply wrap pussy willow stems around a metal chandelier frame. Fix orchid tubes between the branches, fill with water and place cut geraniums inside. Finally, attach eggs to the wreath with coloured ribbon. Blow out quail eggs. Open chicken eggs at the top only. Once you have removed the yolks and whites, rinse well. Alternatively, crack open and carefully clean hard-boiled eggs. Fill with fresh water and add cut geranium flowers. Place matching candles in the holders on the frame. Hang up. Done!

Tip: These floral eggs make a lovely homemade hanging arrangement, but can also be used as a table display. As classic outdoor geraniums aren’t yet in bloom at Easter in the UK , use regal pelargoniums instead. These were originally grown as indoor plants. They have extra large, beautiful blooms and flower well before the outdoor geranium season begins.

Geraniums need plenty of sun and regular watering and fertilising to thrive and flower from spring to autumn. There are a few extra things to consider when caring for geraniums displayed this way. The perfect spot should be as sunny as possible and also sheltered from the wind.

For containers without drainage, make sure there is no standing water in the pot. In addition to a drainage layer and careful watering, a spot out of the rain is recommended. For containers with drainage, make sure dripping water doesn’t leave marks on the floor or damage furniture. Either hang the planter where the water can run off undisturbed, or place a drip tray underneath. Although hanging baskets are often made of plastic, which means little water evaporates from the sides, an exposed position dries out the compost more quickly, so regular watering is important.